Be amazed by Basalt Retreat

Where wine meets winding down.

Rows of vines stretch endlessly, the salty coastal air mingling with the earthy warmth of volcanic soil, guiding you toward a hidden enclave of sleek, sun-dappled villas. Every step feels deliberate, each turn revealing a landscape shaped by time, tide, and terroir. This is Basalt Retreat, the only vineyard accommodation on the Great Ocean Road, where design, wine and place converge in quiet, luxurious harmony.

Basalt Retreat

Where: 1131 Princes Highway, Killarney

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Opened in November 2025, Basalt Retreat is a refined sanctuary for travellers seeking intimacy, craftsmanship and connection. Tucked at the quieter, more rugged end of the Great Ocean Road, just 15 minutes from Port Fairy and Warrnambool, the retreat is framed by dramatic coastlines, open skies and volcanic plains. Here, couples and design lovers can embrace seclusion, vineyard warmth, and the freedom to explore a coastline that feels entirely their own.

The villas themselves are a masterclass in contemporary, low-impact design. Developed with architectural collaborators Agents of Architecture, each modular cabin showcases raw materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and a considered palette of textures and tones. Clean lines and natural finishes are balanced by warmth and comfort, creating spaces that feel luxurious yet rooted in their environment. “The result evokes a sense of warmth, luxury and connection,” says Greg Adshead, co-founder of Ample Co. With private terraces and shifting views over the vines, every stay feels curated and unhurried.

Basalt Retreat also offers a seamless connection to the vineyard’s culinary and vinous offerings. Guests can wander from villa to the on-site restaurant, where Mediterranean-inspired dishes celebrate local, seasonal produce. Cool-climate wines, including Riesling, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo, reflect the volcanic soils and coastal energy, creating pairings that feel effortless yet precise. For a deeper dive, private seated tastings hosted by Shane reveal the vineyard’s unique terroir, shaped by the ancient lava flows of nearby Tower Hill. “We’ve always believed good wine starts with respect for the land,” says Clancey. “Extending that philosophy into accommodation was a natural step, sharing the vineyard’s beauty in a way that’s low-impact, thoughtful and immersive.”

Established in 2003, Basalt Wines has long been celebrated for expressive, coastal-inspired varietals. Basalt Retreat deepens that story, offering guests the rare chance to inhabit the vineyard from the inside out. More than a place to stay, it is a destination where the coast, the vines, and design-led luxury align—a quiet, immersive escape that lingers long after you’ve left.

Find out more about Basalt Retreat, or book your stay here.